CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity
In partnership with
Advanced Foods and Materials Network
Beef Cattle Research Council
Biophage Pharma Inc.
Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Canadian Foundation for Infectious Diseases
Canadian Lung Association
Canadian Poultry Research Council
Chr. Hansen
CIHR Innovation and Industry Programs
CIHR Institute of Aging
CIHR Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health
CIHR Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes
Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada
Dairy Farmers of Canada
Defence Research and Development Canada
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
GangaGen Life Sciences Inc.
Institut Rosell Inc.
Intralytix Inc.
Lotte & John Hecht Memorial Foundation
National Research Council Canada
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Phage Biotech Ltd.
Phage International, Inc.
Sanofi pasteur
| Important Dates | |
| Opportunity Launched | June 2006 |
| Content Last Updated | September 27, 2006 (Description of Partners) |
| December 1, 2006 | Letter of Intent must be courier stamped by this date. |
| January 15, 2007 | Anticipated notification of Letter of Intent decision |
| May 1, 2007 | Full applications must be courier stamped by this date. |
| October 31, 2007 | Anticipated notification of decision. |
| November 1, 2007 | Anticipated funding start date. |
| Additional Information |
This Request for Applications is announced as part of the CIHR "Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics Research Initiative". Applicants are advised that this is a complicated Initiative with several different research areas, five different program tools and over 20 Partners. Therefore it is highly recommended that applicants take the time to fully familiarize themselves with the entire Initiative before preparing applications to specific program tools, such as Team Grants. Please note that partnering Institutes and organizations may be interested in funding specific strategic areas. For details, please see Description of Partners |
| Funds Available | |
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CIHR's contribution to the amount available for this initiative is subject to availability of funds voted annually to CIHR by parliamentary appropriations, and the conditions that may be attached to them. The maximum amount awarded for a single grant is $300,000 per annum for up to 5 years. The equipment amount is awarded in year one. The final two years of funding are subject to a satisfactory progress review in the third year of funding. The minimum amount available for the entire CIHR "Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics Research Initiative" is $10,000,000 over five years from III - plus contributions from Partners. Please note that in addition to Team Grants, funding for this Initiative will also be used to support Seed Grants, Fellowships, Proof of Principle Grants, and Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). III and Partners hope to fund excellent proposals in all four research areas listed in the RFA and for all five program tools offered under this RFA. Money will be allocated to individual programs according to relative demand and available partner contributions. The funding provided through this Request for Applications is non-renewable. A renewal of funding for a further period may be possible through an application to a future Emerging Team Grant competition sufficiently far in advance of the termination date of the grant to ensure continuity. | |
| Summary | |
|
The purpose of the Emerging Team Grant program is to strengthen Canadian health research by supporting new and emerging research teams of researchers conducting high-quality research and providing superior training opportunities. The program is expected to enhance the understanding and accelerate the resolution of health issues through new directions of research proposed. In this particular case, it is expected that this investment will further the Canadian capacity for high-quality, problem-based research in the area of novel alternatives to antibiotics. This program is intended to fund the creation or development of research teams undertaking collaborative research relevant to the goals and objectives of the CIHR "Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics Research Initiative". Normally, eligible teams will consist of at least three independent investigators who will form an integrated and effective research team and who have not worked together on the same problem or issue for more than five years. It is expected that this grant will enable such teams to build capacity and add expertise, develop strategies for knowledge translation, provide superior training and mentoring environments and achieve research excellence, so that at the end of the funding period they are competitive for funding through other major funding competitions. This Request for Applications is part of the CIHR "Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics Research Initiative". Applicants are advised that this is a complicated Initiative with several different research areas, five different program tools and over 20 Partners. Therefore it is highly recommended that applicants take the time to fully familiarize themselves with the entire Initiative before preparing applications to specific program tools, such as Emerging Team Grants. The purpose of the Emerging Team Grant component is to provide funding for the creation of research teams that will bring together immunologists and microbiologists and/or researchers from different sectors e.g. agriculture, health and industry to combine their resources and expertise in the discovery and development of novel alternatives to antibiotics. A major team objective will be to build research capacity in this area through the recruitment and training of graduate and/or post-doctoral trainees and independent investigators new to the research field. Many of the Partners supporting this Initiative have a specific interest in Team Grants. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the Description of Partners section prior to preparing an application in order to align their proposed area of research with an identified Partner's area of interest if appropriate. | |
Background
Partners
Objectives
Eligibility
Allowable Costs
Review Process and Evaluation Criteria
General CIHR Guidelines
Conditions of Funding
Communications Requirements
Monitoring, Performance Measurement and Evaluation
How to Apply
Contact Information
Description of Partners
Information on the Introduction and Background can be found in the research initiative announcement - Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics Research Initiative.
The Institute of Infection and Immunity is dedicated to identifying and developing collaborations with other CIHR institute(s), branch(es) or office(s), funding organizations and stakeholders to enhance the availability of funding for this strategic initiative, and to create, where appropriate, opportunities for knowledge exchange and translation related to the scope of this particular initiative. Applicants are invited to visit the Descriptions of Partners to find a list of partners and their respective mandates and/or strategic interests. This list will continue to evolve as new partners join in this initiative.
Within the framework of the overall objectives of the Emerging Team Grant Program, the specific objectives of this Request for Applications are:
The RFA is intended to attract truly unique projects that explore innovative mechanisms of bacterial control, using novel approaches. The RFA is not intended for projects that are eligible for funding in the regular CIHR open competitions such as traditional studies screening for new antibiotics and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance or for projects on viruses, fungi or parasites.
Relevant Research Areas
Areas of research that might be conducted under this Request for Applications are:
Examples of research that might be conducted under each of these themes are provided below. These examples are not intended to be exhaustive and there is no intent to imply that applications in one or the other areas would be more successful.
Enhancing Immunity
Novel modifications to the host immune system that enhance immune responses to infection e.g. innovative approaches to preventive or therapeutic vaccines, immune modulation by compounds such as peptides or synthetic molecules that boost innate immunity or modulate inflammatory responses, studies on mechanisms used by infectious agents to evade the immune system etc. A specific objective in this area will be to create research teams that combine the knowledge and experience of both immunologists and microbiologists thus addressing a need, identified at the Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics Workshop [ HTML | PDF (806 KB) | Help ] to bring these two research communities together to address the issue of antibiotic resistance. Research applications focusing on both animal and/or human hosts are encouraged provided links are clearly established between the animal studies and the potential impact on human health.
It is strongly recommended that applicants in this area apply as multidisciplinary teams.
Novel Anti-bacterials
Novel anti-bacterials would include agents that function through mechanisms unlike those of currently available antibiotics, e.g truly novel alternatives or adjuncts to antibiotics. Examples might include but are not limited to: antimicrobial peptides, incompatible plasmids, agents that inhibit bacterial growth or prevent biofilm formation, drugs that inhibit bacterial toxin production, compounds that block resistance mechanisms restoring antibiotic sensitivity, compounds that interfere with the transfer of resistance between bacteria, decoy molecules that redirect a bacterium's resistance enzymes and alternative approaches such as use of ozone or essential oils. Studies on novel anti-bacterials to treat bacterial diseases in both humans and animals are encouraged provided the links between animal and human health are clearly made.
A specific objective will be to encourage innovative, short-term, high risk projects exploring truly novel alternatives to traditional antibiotics that have practical applications.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics are defined as microorganisms that when administered in sufficient quantities may confer health benefits. Prebiotics are non-digestible food materials that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of established bacterial species. The health benefits of probiotics have been known for over 100 years but have not generally been subjected to rigorous scientific testing. In recent years, some probiotic products have been shown to provide benefits in the treatment of various gastrointestinal diseases such as paediatric diarrhoea, C. difficile infections, irritable bowel syndrome, and pouchitis. Some studies have shown that certain probiotics can beneficially modulate the immune system, help prevent atopic dermatitis and treat allergy as well as reduce the risk of recurrent ear, dental, vaginal and bladder infections.
For the purpose of this RFA, research projects should focus on the scientific evaluation and characterization of probiotic preparations with potential value in the prevention of infection or as an alternative or adjunct to conventional antibiotic treatment in humans and animals. Experiments in model systems and food animals must show a clear application to human health and establish a timeline by which such benefits might reasonably be realised. A specific objective will be to encourage novel applications, preferably with preliminary data on mechanisms, likely to lead to a clinical outcome within 5-7 years and a plan of how this could be achieved.
Bacteriophage Therapy
In the pre-antibiotic era, the ubiquitous bacteriophage played an important role in the control of bacterial infections, particularly purulent infections. During the last 50 years, research and treatment using phage preparations has continued in many Eastern European countries, but has been essentially abandoned in the Western World, although phage has continued to be of value in microbiological research particularly in molecular biology, epidemiology and diagnostics. Now, with the surge in antibiotic resistance posing a real health threat, attention has turned once more to this almost forgotten therapy. Bacteriophage are lethal, strain specific, adaptive, highly efficient, safe to humans and non-target bacteria and very good at finding bacteria in hard to reach places such as biofilms. However, little rigorous scientific research has been done on their efficacy as a therapeutic agent in humans and there are formidable regulatory hurdles still to be overcome in North America before clinical trials will be possible. Phages have been used successfully for several decades in Eastern Europe, however, and have been shown to be effective in a number of situations where antibiotics are inadequate due to bacterial resistance or poor blood supply. For example, phages have been used successfully, in Eastern Europe, to treat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections in skin ulcers of diabetic patients (reported in a peer-reviewed publication). In Canada, studies have focused primarily on phage products, eg. lysins or synthetic molecules that mimic phage action, with the use of whole phage and phage cocktails being limited to use in experimental systems and food animals. It is therefore timely to initiate studies using current technologies in molecular biology, under today's rigorous scientific conditions to assess the potential of whole phage and phage products as an adjunct or replacement to antibiotics in certain situations.
Please note that this initiative will only consider funding research projects that look at alternatives to antimicrobials specific for bacteria. Projects dealing with parasites, viruses and fungi will not be eligible.
For the purposes of this RFA, emphasis will be placed on research capacity building and the formation of linkages between researchers working in the agriculture, industry and health sectors, and also the generation of opportunities for collaboration with centres of expertise in Eastern European countries.
Please note that partnering Institutes and organizations will be funding Team Grant projects in specific strategic areas. Some Partners have indicated a preference for specific programs e.g. Fellowships or Seed Grants, but may consider other program areas, such as Emerging Team Grants if they are of particular interest and relevance. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the "Description of Partners" section prior to preparing an application in order to align their proposed area of research with an identified Partner's area of interest if appropriate. It is important that Applicants familiarize themselves with the additional opportunities available through Partner funding.
Relevance Review
Relevance review will be conducted at the Letter of Intent stage. For planning purposes, at the Letter of Intent stage representatives from the Institute of Infection and Immunity and partnering organizations will have access to the anonymized Letter of Intent package and the one-page attachment describing how the proposed research addresses the objectives and relevant research areas (see "How to Apply"). At the full application stage, these representatives will have access to an updated version of the one-page attachment to confirm relevancy.
The following criteria will be used in conducting relevance review:
Relevance review occurs apart from peer review (scientific review) and has no relationship to the results of peer review.
Upon completion of peer review of the full applications, the representatives from Institute of Infection and Immunity and partnering organizations will receive the ratings, rankings and peer review committee recommendations on funding level and term for the applications that are rated in the CIHR fundable range and are found to be relevant to the specific objectives of the research initiative and the research areas described under "Objectives". These applications will be funded from the top down in order of ranking as far as budgets will allow. Applications that receive a ranking below 3.5 will not be funded.
Eligibility criteria specified in Emerging Team Grant Program shall apply to applications submitted in response to this Request for Applications.
Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) will not be considered under this particular Emerging Team Grant competition.
Other funding mechanisms that are available under the CIHR "Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics Research Initiative" include Seed Grants, Fellowship Awards, Proof of Principle Grants, and RCTs. For a description of each, please refer to Mechanisms of Funding.
Specific Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility requirements specific to this Request for Applications include the following:
The allowable costs identified within the Emerging Team Grant Program shall apply.
Applications will be evaluated following the evaluation criteria and peer review process described in the Emerging Team Grant Program.
In addition, the following evaluation criteria specific to this Request for Applications will apply.
Upon completion of the review, the Institute of Infection and Immunity and its partners will receive the ranking lists, merit scores (ratings) and recommendation of the Committee, with regards to term and funding level, for the submitted applications. Based on the total funds available for the initiative, top-ranked applications will be funded. Applications receiving a score less than 3.5 will not be considered for funding.
The General CIHR Guidelines described in the Emerging Team Grant Program shall apply to this Request for Applications. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate the use of gender and sex-based analysis in applications.
This Request for Applications will follow the General Guidelines for Industry-Partnered Programs.
All conditions specified in the Emerging Team Grant Program shall apply to applications funded through this Request for Applications.
Access to Information Act and Privacy Act, and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
All personal information collected by CIHR about applicants is used to review applications, to administer and monitor grants and awards, to compile statistics, and to promote and support health research in Canada. Consistent with these purposes, applicants should also expect that information collected by CIHR may be shared as described in Use and Disclosure of Personal Information Provided to CIHR for Peer Review.
CIHR as a federal entity is subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act, therefore the requirements of these two statutes will apply to all information located in CIHR's premises including, without limitation, cost-sharing agreements related to this Request for Applications and all matters pertaining thereto.
While respecting the application of the Privacy Act to federal entities, all signing parties involved in a collaborative agreement will also be bound by the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). All personal information (as identified by the PIPEDA) collected, used or disclosed in the course of any commercial activity under collaborative agreements related to the Request for Applications will be collected, used and disclosed in compliance with the PIPEDA.
Communications requirements are described in the Emerging Team Grant Program.
Monitoring, Performance Measurement and Evaluation requirements are described in the Emerging Team Grant Program.
The following table is intended to further clarify objectives by linking them to expected outcomes and measures which will be included in CIHR's Management Resources and Results Structure (MRRS) required by Treasury Board.
| Objective | Outcome | Measure / Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| To foster cross-theme research with an emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach, effectively to promote collaboration between researchers working in different disciplines (ex. Microbiology and Immunology or agriculture, health and industry) who share a common interest; | Multidisciplinary and/or cross-theme research. Creation of partnerships between researchers from different disciplines; Creation of partnerships between sectors e.g. health. agriculture and industry; |
Multidisciplinary and cross-theme nature of projects and subsequent publications; Awardees opinion on the effectiveness of the program to foster multidisciplinary and cross-theme research; |
| To create a team environment that favours the development of excellent and innovative research projects that will advance our understanding in the area of alternatives to antibiotics and lead to the development of truly novel approaches to the treatment of bacterial infections quite unlike traditional antibiotic therapy; | Increased networking and collaborations between researchers; Growth and sustainability of the new team; Increased quality and productivity of award recipients in research area (e.g. publications, colloquia); |
Number of new teams, and of researchers in the new teams; Successful applications to operating grants and infrastructure team funding; Knowledge translation activities; |
| To train and establish new investigators capable of undertaking research in the area of alternatives to antibiotics. | Increased number of trainees and researchers in this area of research. | Number of trainees within the teams; New investigators that are integrated in the teams. |
Applicants are advised to review CIHR's grants and awards policies and guidelines outlined in the CIHR Grants and Awards Guide.
Additional Instructions for this Request for Applications:
Send the original Letter of Intent and five copies by courier to:
RE: "EmergingTeam Grant: Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics"
Research Translation Programs Branch
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Room 97, 160 Elgin Street
Address locator: 4809A
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0W9
2) Full Application
Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application by the deadline date. Details of the application procedure will be provided to those invited to apply.
For questions on CIHR funding guidelines, how to apply, and the peer review process contact:
Jacqueline Jorge
Program Delivery Officer
Innovation and Industry Programs
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: (613) 952-5728
Fax: (613) 954-1800
Email: jjorge@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
For questions about this initiative and research objectives contact:
Erik Blache
Associate, Strategic Initiatives
CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity
Telephone: (613) 941-4329
Fax: (613) 954-1800
Email: eblache@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Applicants are strongly encouraged to read this section prior to preparing an application in order to align their proposed area of research with an identified Partner's area of interest if appropriate.
Note: Additional partners, including partners from industry and the private sector are expected.
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
CIHR is Canada's major federal funding agency for health research. Its objective is to excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge and its translation into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products and a strengthened Canadian health care system.
The CIHR - Innovation and Industry Programs (IIP) are designed to help the academic community interact with Canadian companies with an interest in health research and development. The programs promote a wide variety of peer-reviewed research and training projects jointly funded by Canadian companies and CIHR. The research planned should be beneficial to both parties, while improving the quality of health of Canadians.
The CIHR Institute of Aging (IA) supports research that promotes healthy aging and addresses causes, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, support systems, and palliation for a wide range of conditions associated with aging.
IA will consider support for research that is related directly to the aging process or specifically to the health and quality of life of older adults (generally above the age of 65). Research and research design should address issues of aging and/or the aged as essential elements of the objectives, hypotheses and analyses (e.g. dynamics of aging, age-relevant models and/or aged subject, uniqueness of aging or aged population).
CIHR Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (ICRH)
The mission of the CIHR Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (ICRH) is to support research into the causes, mechanisms, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, support systems, and palliation for a wide range of conditions associated with the heart, lung, brain (stroke), blood, blood vessels, critical and intensive care, and sleep.
ICRH encourages high quality applications which target novel alternatives to antibiotics for circulatory and respiratory diseases and conditions. In particular, ICRH is interested in supporting research funded through Team Grants, Seed Grants and Proof-of-Principle programs.
The CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity (III) supports research and helps to build research capacity in the areas of infectious disease and the body's immune system. Through the Institute's programs, researchers address a wide range of health concerns related to infection and immunity including disease mechanisms, disease prevention and treatment, and health promotion through public policy. The Institute will support applications on any of the themes listed in Objectives and in any of the five program areas, including Emerging Team Grants.
III will provide a total of $10,000,000 towards this initiative over a five year period.
The CIHR Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes (INMD) supports research to enhance health in relation to diet, digestion, excretion, and metabolism; and to address causes, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, support systems, and palliation for a wide range of conditions and problems associated with hormone, digestive system, kidney, and liver function.
Partners
The purpose of the Advanced Foods and Materials Network (AFMNet) is to develop knowledge and technology that result in foods and food processes that are commercially viable, socially acceptable and value-added. Partnering with industry, government, not-for-profit organizations and national and international research institutions, AFMNet's vision is for a healthier Canada. The Network is a not-for-profit corporation funded by the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE), Canada's flagship science and technology program, with AFMNet being unique in its focus on food. AFMNet comprises dozens of scientific researchers, professionals, industry partners and government agencies, working on over 20 multi-disciplinary research projects.
AFMNet research focuses on:
Examples of some currently funded AFMNet projects related to Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics:
Areas of Interest related to Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics:
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Biofilms and bacterial adhesion
Bio-materials
AFMNet is specifically interested in supporting the CIHR "Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics Research Initiative" through the provision of funds in support of Seed Grants or Proof of Principle Grants.
The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is an operating division of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association. The BCRC sponsors research, and technology development and adoption in support of the vision of the Canadian beef industry to have high quality Canadian beef products recognized as the most outstanding by Canadian and world customers. The BCRC:
The BCRC would consider supporting projects on alternatives to antibiotics that are relevant to cattle. Particular examples of projects for consideration would be genetics of disease immunity,
antibacterial defenses derived from the digestive tract and probiotics or phage that could be used as alternatives to antibiotics either to maintain good health in feedlot cattle or to prevent diseases of zoonotic significance affecting the human population. Of particular interest would be projects that link research on alternatives to antibiotics in the agriculture sector to human health and vice-versa.
Biophage Pharma Inc. is a public development stage biotechnology company listed on TSX-Ventures ("BUG") and is engaged in the research and development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for microbial infections. Biophage operates two divisions; (1) the R&D division that discovers and develops proprietary phage-based products for the diagnostic and therapeutic fields and (2) a revenue-generating ImmunoTox Labs division that offers niche services in the fields of Immunotoxicity and Nanotoxicity under Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) conditions, a Beryllium reference lab and MELISA® testing for the detection of metal allergy.
The R&D team is competent in phage manipulation (isolation, screening, characterization, gene sequencing) and has the capability of production using a Lab-scale fermentor (Bioflo C30). Field Studies respecting regulatory requirements have been performed on different animal models including chickens and swine. Biophage has also a large proprietary library of lytic phages for all major pathogenic bacteria and IP on their proprietary use.
Biophage business strategy continues to focus on the commercialization and sales of the PDS® biosensor and to build a pipeline of diagnostic and therapeutic products, secure FDA approval and partner with major global companies. While many biotechnology companies emphasize the development of a single or relatively narrow range of technologies, Biophage is seeking to build a diversified portfolio of products in order to mitigate the high risk that is inherent to the development of novel diagnostic devises or therapeutic products.
Biophage Pharma will support the CIHR "Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics Research Initiative" through the support of Fellowships in the area of phage research.
The Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CCFF) is a Canada-wide health charity, with more than 50 volunteer chapters, which funds cystic fibrosis research and care. The CCFF is a world leader in the fight against CF. Canadian researchers, funded by the CCFF, discovered the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis in 1989 and continue to play a leading role in the worldwide race to find a cure or control for the disease.
The mission of the CCFF is to help people with cystic fibrosis. To this end, the Foundation:
The CCFF will commit funding to this "Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics" Initiative, by contributing towards either Fellowship awards, Emerging Team grants, Seed Grants and/or Proof of Principle grants within the relevant research areas that are highly relevant to cystic fibrosis (as determined by the Foundation).
The Canadian Foundation for Infectious Diseases (CFID) is a national charity dedicated to protecting the good health of those sharing our global community. Although no one is immune to infectious disease, CFID is providing Canadian physicians and scientists with the funding to discover and implement effective prevention and treatment solutions. CFID, which is funded entirely through donations, supports the critical research efforts of AMMI Canada - our country's largest association of medical microbiologists and infectious disease specialists.
CFID commits to partnering with CIHR to fund successful AMMI Canada applicants for the "Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics Research Initiative" by contributing funds for up to 5 years towards either Emerging Team Grants and / or Proof of Principle Grants for research themes that explore novel and different uses of anti-bacterials deemed relevant by the CFID.
The Canadian Lung Association
The Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS) is the medical and scientific arm of the Canadian Lung Association. CTS represents Canadian physicians working in the field of lung diseases with diverse interests ranging from asthma to pneumonia to tuberculosis. The CTS supports research into basic and applied sciences relating to lungs in health and disease. The CTS also sets Canadian guidelines and standards for the treatment of lung diseases including but not limited to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and tuberculosis. The discovery of novel alternatives to antibiotics would be an important outcome for many members of the CTS. As such CTS encourages members to develop partnerships to help develop "Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics". The Canadian Lung Association commits to funding over the 5 year period of this "Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics Initiative", by contributing towards a fellowship relevant to the Lung Association. Funding through this announcement is contingent upon the availability of funds.
The Canadian Poultry Research Council (CPRC) supports poultry research directed towards the needs of Canada's poultry sector and maintaining the well being of the Canadian consumer. Its member agencies and organizations are: Canadian Egg Marketing Agency, Chicken Farmers of Canada, Canadian Turkey Marketing Agency, Canadian Broiler Hatching Egg Marketing Agency and Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors Council.
In providing funding for poultry research, the CPRC works in partnership with other Canadian research funding agencies. The Council works with industry, academe and government in establishing poultry research priorities. It also has a particular interest in the training of highly qualified people to meet the future needs of Canada's poultry sector.
The CPRC agrees in principle to participate in the CIHR-III - 'Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics Research Initiative'. The CPRC would consider supporting, in partnership, projects on alternatives to antibiotics that are relevant to poultry health and the safety and quality of poultry products. Of particular interest would be projects that link research on alternatives to antibiotics in the poultry sector to human health and vice-versa.
Chr. Hansen
Chr. Hansen A/S is a global provider of natural food and feed ingredients with market leader positions within biotechnology products (starter cultures, enzymes and probiotic cultures), natural colors and dairy flavors. Compared to industry standards we invest heavily in R&D and currently our strategic research activities are to a high degree focused on new health functionalities targeted to the use of probiotic cultures for food (functional food), dietary supplements and feed additives. We are seeking research partnerships to address potentials within the oral care area - where the interactions between the oral microflora and the epithelia of the oral cavity play a crucial role in prevention/development of specific disease conditions (dental caries, gingivitis and other periodontal diseases) and may also be related to the development of systemic chronic inflammation processes. Of major interest would be:
Chr. Hansen is specifically interested in funding collaborative research teams comprised of Canadian researchers and Chr. Hansen researchers. Potential Canadian applicants, interested in being part of a Danish/Canadian collaboration are requested to contact:
Eric Johansen, PhD
Vice President, Molecular Microbiology
Chr. Hansen A/S
10-12 Bøllé
DK2970 Hørsholm
Denmark
Telephone: (+45) 45 74 84 64 Cell (+45) 40785662
Fax: (+45) 45 74 89 94
Email: Eric.Johansen@dk.chr-hansen.com
http://www.chr-hansen.com/
Beginning in 2007, Chr. Hansen would commit to providing funding for collaborative research within the CIHR initiative "Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics". Project type/form (grants, awards etc.), relevance, priority and actual funding would be determined by Chr.Hansen and the CIHR.
The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC) believes that a cure will be found for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) - Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. To realize this, the CCFC is committed, first and foremost, to raise increasing funds for medical research. The CCFC is the leading supporter of IBD research in Canada, currently investing over five million dollars annually in world-class IBD research.
CCFC commits to contributing towards the initiative entitled "Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics Research Initiative", during its five year term, by contributing towards Fellowship awards, Emerging Team grants, Pilot Project grants and/or Proof of Principle grants within the research areas that are relevant to the CCFC Mission and priorities. The project relevance, priority and funding would be determined by the Foundation, in consultation with the CCFC IBD Research Institute.
The Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is the national policy, lobbying and promotional organization representing Canada's 16,000 dairy farms. DFC strives to create favourable conditions for the Canadian dairy industry, today and in the future. It works to maintain policies that foster the viability of Canadian dairy producers and promote dairy products and their health benefits.
The organization is run for producers, by producers. Dairy producers fund its operation, including promotional activities, and the Dairy Farmers of Canada invests up to $1.1 million in health, nutrition and dairy production research in Canada every year.
Dairy Farmers of Canada will commit to funding over the 5 year period of this "Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics Research Initiative", by contributing towards either the Emerging Team Grant or Seed Grants, within the research theme of probiotics, phage therapy and novel anti-bacterials as determined relevant to the DFC. Successful alternatives to the use of antibiotics could provide another means of ensuring the safety of dairy products.
Defence R&D; Canada (DRDC) is an agency of the Department of National Defence responding to the scientific and technological needs of the Canadian Forces. Its mission is to ensure that the CF remains scientifically and technologically relevant. The agency is made up of six research centres located across Canada with a corporate office in Ottawa. DRDC has an annual budget of $300 million and employs 1500 people. With a broad scientific program, DRDC actively collaborates with industry, international allies, academia, other government departments and the national security community.
A leading member of Canada's S&T community, Defence R&D Canada is a member in over 60 national S&T councils, networks and forums, as well as initiating and supporting collaborative research ventures. Approximately 50 percent of our annual budget is invested in collaborative programs with Canada's private sector and academic community. We leverage our S&T base to work with partners outside of the Department of National Defence, with a dual focus and mandate in both Public and National Security. Our research efforts often result in technology transfers to the private sector, and we are one of Canada's largest producers of patents within the federal government.
For this "Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics Research Initiative", DRDC will participate in funding or co-funding up to 2 Fellowship awards within the themes of Innate Immunity and Novel Anti-bacterials, providing of course that they meet the eligibility requirements of the RFA, are deemed by peer review to be highly meritorious and are consistent with aims and requirements of DRDC funded programs.
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT)
Global Partnership Program (GPP)
At the 2002 G8 Summit in Kananaskis, Leaders launched the Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction. Under this initiative, the G8 committed to raise up to (US) $20 billion to address one of the most serious security threats facing our world today by preventing terrorist groups from obtaining weapons and materials of mass destruction (WMMD) to carry out their campaigns. Canada's contribution, called the "Global Partnership program", is managed by DFAIT and calls for up to $1 billion (CDN) over 10 years.
One of the priorities of the GPP is to redirect former weapons scientists (FWS) towards sustainable peaceful employment, to reduce the risk that they may sell their WWMD or their related expertise to countries or organizations of concern. A related priority is curbing the proliferation of biological weapons by preventing terrorists and states of proliferation concern from acquiring or developing biological weapons and related materials, equipment and technology.
To address these priorities, Canada (under the leadership of DFAIT) is contributing up to $18 million annually to the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) based in Moscow and the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU) based in Kyiv. This contribution enables the funding of research projects and other networking (e.g. S&T workshops) and capacity building (training, commercialization support) activities. These projects and activities involve FWS in Russia, Ukraine and other countries affiliated with the ISTC (Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan) and the STCU (Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Uzbekistan). Funds contributed by DFAIT for ISTC research projects are used to pay grants to participating scientists in the former Soviet Union and other project costs (it is not possible for Canadian researchers to receive funds for their research work or equipment under this program).
One of the GPP's priority sectors for the funding of research projects in ISTC and STCU is "Drug Design and Development". As a result, DFAIT is interested in funding R&D to be performed in any of the above-mentioned countries in the area of "Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics" (this includes, but is not limited to, phage research). DFAIT intends to fund a workshop on this topic in Moscow in the Fall 2006, with a view to bringing together experts from Canadian government, academia and industry with experts from the FSU, to promote cooperation in the development of new research projects in this area. These project proposals may then be funded (via ISTC or STCU) either by participating Canadian companies or other organizations, or by DFAIT. In the latter case, stringent evaluation criteria will apply, including non proliferation (i.e. the project must make a tangible contribution to the GPP's WMMD non-proliferation objectives) and scientific merit, as well as a strong fit with the objectives of the CIHR program to develop novel alternatives to antibiotics. Projects funded by DFAIT will have an average budget of $400,000-$500,000 and a duration of 3 years.
For further information, please contact:
Ms. Sabine Hey, Program Officer
Sustainability Programming, DFAIT
Tel: 613-944-2429
Fax: 613-944-1130
Email: sabine.hey@international.gc.ca.
GangaGen Life Sciences Inc. (GLSI)
is a development stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of bacteriophage (phage)-based products for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections, including those resistant to antibiotics. The company has successfully developed cutting edge patented intellectual property to address several billion-dollar market verticals across global public and animal health areas. The product pipeline for these market areas is evolving rapidly, from initial use of selected natural phages for our lead products in the food safety market, to specialized technologies including vaccines and macromolecular phage-derived antibacterial agents. For instance, GLSI is developing a bacteriophage-based product in the food safety market sector for the reduction of E. coli O157:H7 in cattle, in collaboration with Elanco, a division of Eli Lilly and company and a global leader in research-based animal-health products.
GLSI would commit to providing funding towards one or more Fellowship awards within the research areas relevant to the development of bacteriophages as anti-bacterial therapeutics. The research relevance, priority and funding opportunities would be determined with input from GLSI's Scientific Programs Review Committee.
Institut Rosell Inc.
Institut Rosell Inc., a division of Lallemand Inc., is a privately-held Canadian company providing pharmaceutical grade probiotic microbes for human health to an international market. Institut Rosell Inc. has a very active research and development program and is a considered a scientific leader in this field. We examine pre-clinical and clinical efficacy or these microbes in maintaining intestinal health, vaginal and urinary tract health and reducing allergic disorders in internal research labs and through strong collaborations with key opinion leaders from various international universities and institutes.
Beginning in 2007, Institut Rosell Inc. would commit to providing funding towards the CIHR "Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics Research Initiative", by contributing towards Fellowship awards, Emerging Team grants, Seed grants and/or Proof of Principle grants within the research areas that are relevant to the evaluation of probiotics. The project relevance, priority and funding would be determined by the Institut Rosell Scientific Review Committee.
Intralytix Inc.
Intralytix is a biologics company focused on the development of bacteriophage-based products for the food safety, animal health, and human health markets.
Products and Markets. The Company has developed food safety products effective against Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. The Listeria product has been licensed to a multinational firm. The company has developed and licensed bacteriophage-based animal health products effective against Salmonella and Clostridium perfringens in poultry. The Company is also developing products effective against E. coli O157H:7 and E. coli K88. Our first human health product is a topical preparation that will treat skin ulcers commonly found in diabetic patients. This will address an urgent, unmet medical need: there are about 90,000 amputations per year in the US that are due to complications precipitated by diabetic foot ulcers. Although circulatory impairment plays a major role, the majority of these amputations are necessitated by infections that are resistant to current, state-of-the-art antibacterial therapies.
Research Areas
Intralytix is specifically interested in supporting research programs in the following research areas, although other areas may be identified following discussions with other partners engaged on this initiative:
Intralytix will participate in Seed Grants, Emerging Team Grants or via other mutually acceptable mechanisms.
The Lotte & John Hecht Memorial Foundation is a Vancouver-based private foundation. Its major objectives are: the support and investigation of complementary and alternative therapies, particularly in the treatment of cancer; and economic education that promotes the principles of a free market.
Examples of some existing and previously funded research projects:
The Foundation has an interest in the 'Novel Anti-bacterials' research area from the complementary and alternative medicine perspective and, in particular, the medical use of ozone. Ozone has been used as an anti-bacterial in Europe, Russia and Cuba. Research has been carried out in Austria (Dr. Rokitansky) and Germany. Anecdotal evidence exists in North America of its efficacy in the treatment of diabetic ulcers, preventing amputation. The Foundation is particularly interested in Seed Grants and Proof of Principle grants although other possibilities might be considered particularly in the area of ozone research.
The National Research Council Canada (NRC) is the Government of Canada's premier organization for research and development. NRC is composed of 19 different institutes and national programs located in every province in Canada and spanning a wide variety of disciplines and services. NRC plays a major role in stimulating community-based innovation.
The NRC is a leader in the development of an innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada through science and technology. As a member of the Life Sciences Portfolio, the NRC Institute for Biological Sciences (IBS) carries out fundamental and applied research of strategic importance to Canada in the areas of infectious and age related neurological disease. In infectious diseases research, activities include respiratory infections, food-borne and food related diseases, and bio-security. Through the study of immune function, we are investigating novel approaches to prevent disease, its transmission, and to effectively deliver vaccines to the site of infection. The discovery of novel alternatives to antibiotics is a primary focus of NRC-IBS R&D. Research is aimed at understanding pathogenic mechanisms and host-pathogen interactions, including novel anti-infective strategies involving antibodies and phage and immunological approaches.
NRC - IBS encourages institute scientists to form teams with academic and/or industry researchers to jointly submit research proposals to the "Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics Research Initiative". NRC-IBS will share in funding of proposed research through in-kind and/or in-cash contributions to the NRC scientist while university counterparts will access funding from CIHR. In-cash support up to $50,000 per year will be made available to NRC-IBS applicants as part of a successful collaborative or team research proposal.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Jim Richards
Director, Immunobiology
Institute for Biological Sciences
National Research Council of Canada
Telephone: (613) 990-0854
Email: James.Richards@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
(Updated: 2006-09-27)
NRC Institute for Marine Biosciences (IMB) focuses on research anchored in the biology of marine environments. Our basic research on host-pathogen interactions includes aspects of infection and immunity. We also carry out applied research aimed at development of vaccines and marine-derived molecules for treatment of infections, including those that affect humans.
By partnering with CIHR, NRC-IMB wishes to catalyze collaborative research among institute scientists and researchers from academia and industry on novel alternatives to antibiotics. NRC-IMB will provide a contribution of up to $50,000 per year for an NRC scientist who is part of a successful team. The balance of the grant would be provided through CIHR to non-NRC team members.
Dr. Aleks Patrzykat
Senior Life Sciences Development Officer
NRC Institute for Marine Biosciences
Telephone: (902) 426-1087
Email: Aleks.Patrzykat@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) invests in research and innovation programs to achieve its vision of 'A prosperous agri-food sector that contributes innovative solutions to protect the environment, produce safe and nutritious food, build a bio-economy and contribute to the health and well-being of Ontarians'.
Considering that up to 75% of new infectious diseases have their origin in animals (Taylor et al., 2001), OMAFRA is pleased to partner with CIHR in research of relevance to both human and animal health.
OMAFRA is prepared to invest in CIHR's Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics Research Initiative, in research that will result in outcomes important to both animal and human health, including reduction in antimicrobial use, decrease in food-borne illness, and decrease in human illness due to direct contact with animals. OMAFRA would also support research or collaborative efforts for the development of novel therapies that would aid in the overall reduction of use of antimicrobials in agriculture. OMAFRA will consider supporting, applications in all four research areas outlined in this document that are relevant to agriculture and food priorities.
OMAFRA works closely with a broad range of stakeholders to ensure that current and future needs of the agri-food sector are met. OMAFRA funds research through contract research programs at the University of Guelph and competitive research programs in partnership with industry, organizations, other levels of government and research institutions.
Phage Biotech Ltd. was incorporated in March 2000, as a new player in the emerging field of Phage Therapy, based in Israel. The Company's mission is to develop proprietary Phage-based anti-infective therapeutics to combat the increasing number of antibiotic-resistant infections worldwide. The Company has two short-term strategic objectives:
Phage Biotech Ltd. has developed a proprietary cost-effective high titres lysate production process, phage adsorption enhancing buffer formulations and phage selection algorithms. The company is collaborating with Russian phage companies with access to extensive phage collections.
The company has been conducting animal-health related developments and has accumulated experience and expertise in wild phage isolation, selection and production.
Phage Biotech Ltd. is seeking collaborations that would leverage its divers IP assets. The company is particularly interested in targeting MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and VRE for human therapies.
We are interested in any phage related collaborations and will provide our contribution in kind as well as our IP assets subject to agreement. Interested researchers are asked to contact Asher Wilf at the coordinates below:
Asher Wilf - CEO, Phage Biotech Ltd
4 Pekeris St.
Rabin Science Park
Rehovot 76702, Israel.
Telephone: +972-8-947-1837
Fax: +972-8-947-1845
Email: asher@phage-biotech.com
Phage International, Inc., a US Delaware corporation, was formed by a group of doctors, scientists and professional managers in July of 2004 to leverage bacteriophage therapy technologies. The business interests of Phage International are in the realms of bacteriophage-based human therapy to combat drug-resistant pathogens and in new areas of application and use in agriculture. The company's goal is to become a primary enabler of phage therapy.
We are developing and deploying novel medical technologies that hold the key to curing bacterial infections, including those that are antibiotic-resistant and that are otherwise untreatable with conventional antibiotic therapies. The company is positioned to establish the necessary relationships required to bring to market a number of human bacteriophage-based therapies to treat drug-resistant infections.
Phage International, under the brand name of Phage Therapy Center, opened the only clinic of its type in the world in Tbilisi, Georgia in October of 2005. Using bacteriophage therapy to supplement standard surgical practices, the clinic is successfully treating MRSA, Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus, Streptococcus, E.coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas and numerous other types of resistant bacterial and yeast infections in patients whose conditions have not responded to conventional antibiotics; a number of our patients have travelled to our clinic from the US, Canada, and Australia. It is the intension of the company to facilitate the opening of additional Phage Therapy Centers and clinics in markets where Phage products have been approved for use.
Phage International is very interested in participating in the CIHR "Novel Alternatives to Antibiotics Research Initiative". Our company has broad interests in Phage related products and therapies and is interested in supporting projects related to these interests.
Interested parties should contact David Hodges.
Sanofi pasteur is the vaccine business of the sanofi-aventis Group, the third largest pharmaceutical company worldwide and the largest pharmaceutical company in Europe. With a global presence in 150 countries and over 9,000 employees worldwide, sanofi pasteur is respected as a leader in all critical areas of vaccine development, including scientific research and development, regulatory, manufacturing, marketing and sales. Our diverse culture and geography allow us to work with a broad array of partners around the world.
Sanofi pasteur provides nearly one billion doses of vaccine annually that protect over 500 million people in both industrialized and developing countries from life-threatening bacterial and viral diseases. To date, we have brought a wide range of vaccines to market to prevent or treat more than 20 diseases that affect people from infancy through old age. We are not only at the forefront of conquering newly targeted diseases, but also leading the way in expanding immunization across all age groups, including adolescents and the elderly. This leadership has translated into outstanding success in the industry and our company has experienced a recent period of unprecedented growth.
Sanofi pasteur is seeking partners who will share in our pursuit of innovation and our drive for excellence, while becoming a part of our market success story. We welcome the opportunity to evaluate technologies related to the development and production of human vaccines, both prophylactic and therapeutic, including infectious diseases, cancer and chronic diseases.
Sanofi pasteur has a strong commitment to Research and Development partnerships with major universities, research institutes, government bodies, biotechnology companies and contract research organizations. Our collaborations cover virtually all aspects of vaccine development, including early-stage research. Examples of current partnerships and technology investments include: HIV, dengue and cancer vaccine development; large-scale, cell culture-based virus production; conjugate vaccine production; aseptic processing, inactivation and detoxification technologies and production of combination vaccines.
Sanofi pasteur is interested in hearing of potential partnering opportunities in the field of human vaccines. Subjects of interest might include (but are not limited to) the following:
